Travel stories of Columbus

Happy hours on and around Park Street

December 3, 2010

Photo: Park Street Complex

This post is part three of a seven part series featuring Columbus happy hours . Whether you like to head downtown or to the suburbs, we have you covered. Check back each week as Experience Columbus staff spotlight their favorite areas of Columbus to meet friends, share a drink and have some fun.

In this post, Tony explores the happy hour specials on and around Park Street. You can also check out options in the Short North Arts District here , or options in Grandview here . Stay tuned for future posts in the series as we explore downtown, the University District at OSU, Easton Town Center and Worthington.

Park Street and the surrounding area is a popular place for nightlife and clubbing in Central Ohio. With dozens of bars in the immediate area, it’s never hard to find an establishment that fits your style.

A few tips as we continue this happy hour series: if you’re staying out for a few drinks, keep the number for the local Yellow Cab on you. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking in the convention center garage (accepts credit cards) and in a nearby flat-lot . If you’re heading in to town to experience the nightlife and happy hour is just the beginning, make reservations at a hotel within walking distance .

My favorites on and around Park Street:

Bar Louie
Bar Louie has great food for happy hour, and the fire pit on the patio feels wonderful on a chilly day. This bar is a good location for an upscale happy hour.

The Lodge Bar
Lodge Bar is the place if you’re pre-planning a happy hour with a large group of people; you get a $10 gift certificate for every tenth friend that drops your name at the door. Call ahead to set it up for free.

Park Street Cantina
Park Street Cantina has a fantastic patio which is great for enjoying Columbus’ spring weather and is heated during the winter. This bar has some very clever accessories, from the giant Jenga game to the claw vending game machine filled with live lobsters to the quality brunch every Sunday.

Park Street Complex
Park Street Patio, Park Street Saloon and The Social are now connected, which is great for avoiding the cold this winter. Park Street Complex is the one-stop-shop of bars; there are dueling pianos, bands, DJs, tons of bars, food, and televisions all in one location.